LONDON (ICIS)--To use a
much overused phrase in the industry, European chemical producers would
be right to be ‘cautiously optimistic’ heading into 2014. SEE MORE Oil prices rebounded in Asian trade Monday on bargain hunting and concerns over Iraqi exports after militants bombed a major pipeline north of the country. SEE MORE Gold headed for the biggest weekly
gain since October on speculation that demand will increase in Asia, the largest consuming region. Platinum rose to the highest
price since November. SEE MORE NEW YORK (ICIS)--The global chemical mergers
and acquisitions (M&A) market is set to get an extra kick in 2014 as
chemical companies become more aggressive on transformations, shedding
non-core assets to focus on key growth areas. The financing market for
deals is also expected to remain strong, along with buyer interest from
both strategic and financial players. SEE MORE Gold fell for the first time in five
days, set for its biggest annual drop in three decades as
investor holdings extended declines to the lowest since 2009. SEE MORE